News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 19, 2004

Humboldt County Task Force Receives Funds From The DEA And IRS In Drug Case

JUL 19--In a presentation today at the Humboldt County Drug Task Force (HCDTF) offices in Eureka, DEA San Francisco Field Division Group Supervisor Michael Delaney and Kenneth J. Hines, Assistant Special Agent-in-Charge of the IRS-Criminal Investigation Oakland Field Office, presented a check for $123,982 to Eureka Police Chief Dave Douglas and Humboldt County Sheriff Gary Philp. The (HCDTF) received a check from the IRS-Criminal Investigation Asset Forfeiture Fund that represented funds from seized and sold property from a Hydesville man who was involved in the cultivation of marijuana.

From Left: DEA Supervisor Michael Delaney, IRS Supervisor Steve Howard, IRS Asst. Special Agent in Charge Kenneth Hines, Eureka Police Chief Dave Douglas and Humboldt County Sheriff Gary Philip.

The check presented to the task force represents proceeds from property seized and forfeited from Brenden Lewis that was involved in illegal marijuana cultivation. Lewis agreed to forfeit the property to the United States to be disposed of by the IRS. On July 12, 1999, DEA and HCDTF Agents executed a search warrant at Lewis’ property located in an area of southern Humboldt County known as Woods Ranch Road, near Redway.

The Agents found that a crop of marijuana plants, estimated to exceed 2,000 in number, had been cultivated and recently harvested on the property. The property also contained several buildings. Some of the buildings appeared to be constructed solely for the purpose of indoor marijuana cultivation.

IRS ASAC Hines stated “The combined efforts of the officers assigned to this task force are an example of what law enforcement can do when agencies work together. These funds will be put to good use by law enforcement in Humboldt County.”

According to DEA Acting Special Agent in Charge Greg Sullivan “The assets removed from drug traffickers can now be used to strengthen law enforcement efforts in the area. The DEA looks forward to continuing the strong partnerships it has developed with the Task Force members in Humboldt County.”

Agencies participating in the HCDTF include the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Department, the Eureka Police Department, the California Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement the Drug Enforcement Administration and IRS-Criminal Investigation.